Wednesday

None of these things is quite like the other, but ALL of them are happening at the Highlandtown Farmers' Market!

WALKINGAll hands...or should we say FEET...are in! Baltimore Medical Systems, Inc (BMS) is hosting a walking group for all ages. Meet, talk, then walk. Begins around 5pm at the market.

PEACHESPeach season is coming to an end, so get your peaches while they're ripe. Want to save a few for later in the year...check out this easy method from Highlandtown resident and market goer Monica:

How To Freeze PeachesCut in 1/2. Peel and slice into 8 pieces. Place in small freezer bag, push out air and freeze.

You can make individual servings by putting one peach into a sandwich bag and then place the individual serving bags into the freezer bag. It fits about 3-4 individual bags.

Add to smoothies, stews, and more. Nothing like the taste of peaches in the middle of winter!

SAUSAGESLabor Day is here. It signals the end of summer, but it also means we get one more cook out! Be sure to grab some grillin' grub at the market. Ferguson Family Farm has a great selection of meats...including sausage, ground beef, chicken, and more!

and finally, the WEDDING! (We'll have more updates in the weeks to come, so stay tuned)

How to be a Farmers Market FarmerRecipe from the Kahl Family of Kahl Farm

Wondering if you have what it takes to be a Farmers Market farmer? I talked with the Kahl family last Thursday and came up with a list of ingredients for good market recipe.

3 cups energyGetting ready for a market takes a lot of work, as you can imagine, and the Highlandtown Farmers Market on Thursday evenings isn’t the only one the Kahl Family participates in! They also go to the Bel Air Farmers Market every Saturday morning, from 7-11.“We get up at 4:30 (a.m.), and a lot of times, you don’t get to bed til 1:00, 2:00 in the morning,” said Sharon Kahl, who farms with her husband, Mike. “That one’s a big market, so we’re picking all day Friday and well into the night.”

1/4 lb endurance“Fighting the traffic!” In the middle of helping a customer, Mike Kahl called it out without any hesitation when asked about the most challenging part of the market process. Mike is a fifth-generation farmer and his 108-acre farm, located in Delta PA, is about an hour drive from Highlandtown.Sharon and Sierra, their 13-year-old daughter, agreed, but added one more thing.“The heat” they both said in unison.“When it’s really hot and humid, it’s just miserable,” said Sharon.What’s the worst heat they’ve had to endure?“Probably the first market here,” Sierra recalled, looking to her mom for confirmation.But, they perservered. The high for the opening market day was 105, and they still showed up the next week!

1 ton vegetablesHere’s an obvious one, but you gotta have lots of veggies to be a good Farmers Market farmer. What exactly does Kahl Farm grow?“Just about every vegetable,” said Sharon, with Sierra laughing in the background.

1 tablespoon friendlinessInteracting with all kinds of people is a big part of being a Farmers Market farmer, so friendliness is key, both Sharon and Sierra agreed.Varied knowledge about produce and language barriers are just some of the things that take patience and understanding, they explained.According to Sharon, being good with people is the most important, and, personally, her favorite part of being at Farmers Markets.“I think if you’re friendly with them, that’s your biggest draw-in for people,” she said. “They know they can come to you and not get snapped at.”3 teaspoons teamworkHaving a successful market is a family affair and team effort for the Kahl family. 13-year-old Sierra, who’s been helping on the farm since kindergarten, is good with the numbers; Mike: he’s the muscle.“He’s very strong!” Sharon said while laughing. “And tall so he can reach things high.”And Sharon? She’s keeps things in perspective as the jokester of the group.“She always has the bright side,” said Sierra, smiling, but rolling her eyes. “On Saturday... at 6 in the morning!”I looked over at Sharon; she just kept laughing.

dash of support (from you!)It’s not an easy job to keep a small business going. Farmers like Kahl and all small business owners rely on support from residents like you to shop local. So stop by the market this week- say hi to the Kahl family, buy some fresh, locally grown produce, and do some shopping on Highlandtown’s vibrant Main Street!written by Katie Wollman, Highlandtown Farmers' Market volunteer

Monday

This week we welcomed Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake to Highlandtown. She stopped by the Farmers' Market and spoke with our vendors, including Anna Pasqualucci, of Anna's Painted Screens.

T n' T Baltimore Steel Band was fabulous as part of our Sizzlin' Summer Music Series at the Market!

And yes, this week we had the debut of CHIPS + SALSA! "Frank's Gourmet Chips" has been coming to the market since we opened in June, and we are now so happy to have "I Got Salsa" join the mix! Be sure to see them both each week :D

Barbour Fruit Farms Stephanie and Lee Welty are fifth-generation farmers who took over management of the farm in 2008 and grow apples, peaches, cherries, pears, small fruits, and vegetables. They have been expanding their selection each year--this year to include their very own SALSA! Biglerville, PA.
Kahl Farma family owned and operated farm that grows both fruits and vegetables. Delta, PA.Hoehn’s BakeryHome of the Baltimore Sun’s “Best Bite” Peachcake, also featured in the Aug ’07 Urbanite

Jukai JuiceJukai Juice Co. provides a variety of tasty fresh squeezed fruit and veggie juices. Their mission is to provide the customer with the optimal nutritious experience.
I Got SalsaOffers amazing, all natural salsa using original, homemade recipes. They use only freshly chopped ingredients to create a unique balance of flavor and texture...it's like a party in your mouth!
Changed My Mind VintageClassic clothes, shoes, accessories, and jewelry from the 1920s-1970s.
Anna's Painted Screens Painting the town one window at a time.
The Loading Dock increasing the supply and use of affordable building materials for housing and community improvement.
Everything Nancy Artist Nancy Jagelka makes the old new again as she uses recycled materials for cards, jewelry, and more.

Andy's Mushroom Farm Please note: due to an emergency operation Andy's Mushroom Farm will not be returning this season. We wish Carol the best in her recovery and hope to see her again next season!